The Nature’s Head composting toilet really made our full-time vanlife much more enjoyable. We’ve been using it full time in our van conversion since September 2017, so it’s time to have a discussion about this relieving device!

They predicted we could fly with our car, turned out way better…

It’s a toilet! It’s a couch! It’s a supertoiletcouch!

Introduction to Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Does it smell?

No! Sewage smell is the result of the liquid and solid being mixed together. If you ever used a dry toilet (such as hole-in-the-ground toilet at trailhead), you know what we’re referring to! The Nature’s Head composting toilet is designed to separate the solid and the liquid, thus there is no sewage smell:

So no odor?!

There is NO odor in the van, but we’re not saying the solid tank produces ZERO odor. If you plunge your head into the solid tank, you will smell something we can best describe as “soil” or “earthy” smell: nothing like poop smell, really, it does NOT smell like sh*t.

This “soil” or “earthy” smell is evacuated by a small fan that constantly pull a small volume of air from the solid tank to the exterior of the van. The fan will also pull (most of) the odor out of the van while doing a number 2 🙂 The fan only draw 0.1 Amp, that’s almost nothing.

What’s in the solid tank as composting medium?

For both option, make sure there is no additives added (such as nutriment. We’re not trying to grow anything here)!

Do not use soil from outside to fill the solid compartment, as this will introduce bugs or worms…

How often is the solid tank emptied?

We empty our solid tank every 2 weeks, using the composting toilet full time (2 persons).

If we have a chance, we will use other toilets (gas station, etc) to extend the time between dumps. If not using the toilet frequently (such as for remote cabin), the solid can be left for months into the tank! It’s even better as this will leave more time for composting action to happen.

How do you know the solid tank is full?

When it’s getting difficult to turn the handle, it’s time! If it’s not emptied then, it becomes almost impossible to turn the handle in the next 2-3 days. (don’t worry the solid tank won’t overflow)

How often is the liquid bottle emptied?

We empty our liquid bottle every 4 days, but that’s because Antoine prefer to pee outside. Otherwise we would empty the liquid bottle every other day.

As opposed to the solid tank, emptying the liquid bottle more frequently is preferred. If using the toilet for remote cabin or such, make sure to empty the liquid bottle before leaving otherwise it will develop an unpleasant smell!

How do you know the liquid bottle is full?

We keep an eye on it! It’s semi-transparent, so we can monitor the level when we use the toilet. If the liquid bottle is not emptied, it will overflow! Don’t ask us how we know… (the overflow will be collected by the toilet; it won’t go on the van floor)

Where are the solid and liquid disposed?

Solid: in a trash bag, into a dumpster. (it can be buried in nature too)

Liquid: we dispose of it in nature. (if diluted, it’s a great nutriment source for mature trees)

Don’t you think emptying the Nature’s Head composting toilet solid tank is disgusting?!

No! We much rather empty our composting toilet than a cassette toilet. The solid matter does NOT look and smell like poop, it look and smell like soil! Alright, there you have it:

Installation

Using the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Number 1

To ensure the liquid goes into the liquid bottle, everyone has to sit: no gender discrimination here! When finished, spray a mixture of vinegar/water to help keep it clean (the spray bottle is included with the toilet).

Number 2

It’s just like using a regular toilet. Don’t forget to open the solid tank trap! When your moment of glory is finished, spin the handle 2-3 turns in both directions to mix with composting medium and spray a mixture of vinegar/water to help keep it clean (the spray bottle is included with the toilet). Voilà!

Reliability

We’ve been using the Nature’s Head composting toilet full time since September 2017 and we had no issues whatsoever. It’s a device with few features, so it’s hard to imagine how it can fail! Nice!

Resources

The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, Third Edition (Buy on Amazon)

DISCLOSURE:

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click a product link and buy anything from the merchant, we will receive a commission fee. The price you pay remains the same, affiliate link or not.

Buying through our product links is the best way to say thanks if we were of any help for your conversion! Thanks for supporting us and for keeping this website alive 🙂

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ABOUT US

Hello! We’re Isabelle and Antoine 🙂 In 2017 we sold our house (and everything in it), quit our engineering careers and moved into our self built campervan. We’ve been on the road since then and every day is an opportunity for a new adventure; we’re chasing our dreams and hopefully it inspires others to do the same!

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25 thoughts on “Nature’s Head Composting Toilet Review”

Interesting topic!
How is it in winter, if I keep my van warm. I’m doing my own right now and was wondering if it doesn’t generate any ice due to condensation, since the fan is running full time?
Any issue with the fan, the pipe, the outlet?

Hi Antoine, We have a little cabin with a shed. My husband put a hospital toilet with a bucket and garbage bag underneath. After a few times of you know what, it reeks. On this unit does the stinky stuff after composting come out like ashes? Or is it still pop? Is there any smell? Out shed is right by our deck. Do u have any photos of the tray when full.

The solid comes out like soil, I would say. It doesn’t stink (there a subtle soil, or earth smell). The liquid is stinky though, it’s the worst part. But we have no smell in the van.
No picture of our poop. sorry! 😉

We based our decision on reviews and other’s recommendation. To empty the liquid on the AirHead, the tank has to be removed from the front; would that require a larger than necessary cabinet (clearance to be able to remove the tank)?https://airheadtoilet.com/advantages/vs-similar-products/

Hey guys, we are in the same boat, or van. We are trying to eliminate that earthy smell from inside the van. Have you tried or seen anybody route the intake hose outside so it’s pulling outside air through the chamber rather than air from inside the van. Currently if we use or roof vent it pulls air back through the toilet.

Also, enjoying reading your blog and trying to get the nerve up to do my own!! We split out time between our boat and our van.. currently in Grand Junction, CO. If you find yourself in the area… look is up. http://www.circumdance.com

To be honest we left a few minor marks the first 2-3 times we used it, but then it’s just natural to use. Unless you’ve got an explosive diarrhea, there is no reason to miss the hole! Maybe it’s the picture, but it’s not that small.

Great review! Very much enjoy your site. We plan on using a composting toilet for our van build (ours will be home made), but reading reviews like this just confirms that we are making the right decision. Hoping to be on the road full time in late 2018. Cheers!